You are Not Just Chasing the Wind
My Work IS Ministry
These past two weeks I’ve had conversation after conversation with people who are using their work, their expertise, and their relationships to advance meaningful conversations about Christ with those who don’t yet know Him. It’s humbling to hear these stories.
I’m not shy about my faith, but I’m still learning how to fully recognize and appreciate the daily opportunities in front of me—not just to make a difference in someone’s day, but to potentially impact their eternity.
Here’s what’s humbling: more often than not, it’s not some big thing that “I” need to do. God opens hearts when they’re ready. My part is often found in the small, ordinary things I’m already doing—the simple gateways that invite conversation and give a real-life example of Christ’s love. Not in sermons. Not in complicated theological debates. But in real life.
Last week, I re-read the book of Ecclesiastes. It’s a challenging read if you’re already questioning whether your daily work matters. Some verses will make you feel that point even deeper unless you’re ready to wrestle with them.
Solomon writes:
“For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” – Ecclesiastes 1:18
I’ve felt that. There have been times when I’ve achieved big goals, only to be met with a sort of emptiness. Everyone moves on. Life resumes. And that moment you thought would pause the world… just passes.
Solomon puts it bluntly:
“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 2:11
But that phrase “under the sun” matters. Because there are gains in this life—and in the next—that aren’t always visible in earthly terms. Later, Solomon lands on a simple truth:
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12–13
We’re here for a short time. We must eat and drink, yes—but we’re also called to find satisfaction in the work God’s given us. That means your job, your gifts, your location—it’s not random. It’s a God-placed opportunity.
And if you approach it with that perspective, you may not just change someone’s earthly future—you could change their eternal one.
So today, if you feel like you’re chasing the wind… if knowledge feels like it’s only adding to your grief… take heart. Your work matters. Every day is full of redeemable moments with the people around you.
Open your heart. Ask great questions. Take interest in others. And you may find that God will use you right where you are in ways more meaningful than anything on your résumé—impacting lives not just under the sun, but for all eternity.
-Mark
